City Council began discussing our 2015 budget on August 25. The budget is the most important policy document of any organization. An organization puts money into those things that are priorities. The budget documents will be available on the City’s website. Feel free to attend future meetings to hear our discussions or provide input, or contact me directly with your thoughts.

The City of Highland Park is seeking volunteers on September 6, 9 and 11 to help with our semi annual bicyclist and pedestrian counts. The City uses data gathered in the counts to assess the impact of improvements implemented in accordance with the Complete Streets Policy and the Bike-Walk HP 2030 Plan, passed in September, 2012. You can choose to participate in one or more of the shifts, which are: Saturday from 10 am – noon, Tuesday and Thursday from 7 – 9 am and 4 – 6 pm. For more information or to volunteer, click here.

A few shares are still available for Earth First Farm’s Apple CSA for this season. CSA members receive 75 pounds of certified organic apples and a gallon of apple cider. Every 2 weeks, each CSA member picks up a 10-pound bag of certified organic apples. The variety varies each week, and they are delicious. The pick up site is conveniently located near Lincoln School. Click here for information or email the farm to order a share.

Highland Park will be home to two shared cars through Zipcar beginning Wednesday, June 11.  It’s a great option for those who don’t need a car all the time, as they can be rented when you need them.  This may allow some of us to become single car or carless households.  Stop by the west lot of the Highland Park Train Station on June 11 to learn more or sign up. The official kick off will take place at 5:30 that day. You can also join or learn more at the Zipcar website here.

Highland Park earned an Honorable Mention as a Bike Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. The information provided to Highland Park from the League will help us to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities and safety. Read more here.

As part of Highland Park’s Bike-Walk 2030 plan, the City is conducting bicycle and pedestrian counts again this year. It’s a fun and easy job, and a great opportunity to spend some time outside. If you can help on May 6 or 7 from 4 – 6 pm, please click here to contact Lee at the City of HP.

Early voting began on March 3 for the primary. Voting is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM through March 15. Candidates who win their primary will go on to the November general election. Early voting will be at the HP Police Station, and many polling places in Highland Park have changed. To find your new polling place, click here.

Do you know someone who has a record of sustained giving and has, through his or her efforts, made a significant contribution to changing lives in the Highland Park community? Nominate them for the 2014 Humanitarian Award. Nominations are accepted by mail or by email until March 1, 2014. Click here for more information, or contact Don Miner at (847) 926-1861.

Participate in the day of service on January 20, 10 am – 2 pm at Highland Park Recreation Center. Sponsored by the Human Relations Commission and the Park District of Highland Park, the event features service projects and entertainment, including special guest speaker, Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State. Please bring canned food donations to stock the Moraine Township Food Pantry.